Prescott 6er

Prescott 6er
Scott Thomas
Saturday Oct. 12, 2013
Prescott, AZ

  So this race is pretty self explanatory like my last one (12 hours at Night), except this one being 6 hours during the day.  This race is very similar to the 12HAN.  It is located at the same park in Prescott (Miller Park) and has several parts that are shared by both races.  This is a 9 1/2 mile loop and you have 6 hours to do as many laps as you can.  Note you can't finish until after the 6 hour point or you have to be out on your last lap prior to 5:59:59.

  Coming into this race I did a little research.  I knew Ryan Geiger would be there again.  He is defending champ from last year.  I had never raced against Ryan head to head (or that I know of).  I watched Ryan race a few years ago at 24 Hours of Fury at McDowell Mtn Park.  I knew he was fast then.  Outside of Ryan racing it I wasn't aware of the field coming in.  I was very surprised when showing up Saturday morning and seeing the crowd of racers.

  As typical I got there early enough to set up a transition area, warm up and not feel rushed.  This race was a mass start.  About 8:50 everyone started to line up for a little pre-race meeting and get their place for the start.  I think there were about 70 or so of us total starting and I found a good little spot in the middle.

  The race starts with a modified 4-1/2 mile loop and then a full 9-1/2 mile loop.  So 9am hits and the whistle blows.  We are off.  Knowing the area from 12HAN I felt really good.  Then in this modified loop there is a long climb.  Everyone is gunning for their position and I knew I had to get into a decent spot, because after this climb it goes into a long tight single track area.  The elevation of Prescott that morning wasn't helping me find that spot, but I did okay.

  Coming in from the modified loop you cross the start line and head out on your first full 9-1/2 mile loop.  Again knowing this course from 12HAN I knew this was heading into my fast fire-road section and the grind of the incline would be my friend all day and were I would make up ground.  Pulling off the fire-road area we hit some single track for a ways and then into my worst enemy from 12HAN and that is Rocky Road.  I used this to my advantage as much as I could as I feel I am a stronger climber than many.

  Coming off of Rocky Road we hit a fast decent and then comes the hard climb.  This was not part of 12HAN, and it was an Ass-Kicker of a short climb.  Once we hit the top of that it was where the 4-1/2 mile had tied in, so I was back to some good single track.

  Lap 1 came easy and then 2.  Lap 3 wasn't to bad and then leading into 4 Rocky Road was wearing on me.  Coming in from 4 I was dragging for sure, but knew I needed one more.  I took a quick 2-4 minute break and fueled and headed out again.   Lap 5 was tough.  I hadn't ridden all week leading up to this race and I should have.

  Lessons learned this race:  Train up to the day before the race.  No matter what your brain is telling you, you can do more.  And again the best outlook from my daughter "At least you weren't like 100th place Dad."

  Great race.  I'll do it again.
 
  Thanks to all of our sponsors and everyone else's support.  POC Sports.  Geigerrig.  GU Enengy.  Yankz!  Mike's Bike Chalet.  Stan's NoTubes.  Polar Water Bottles.  Geax.

Interbike 2013

INTERBIKE 2013

Las Vegas

Scott Thomas

  Interbike.  Where do I start?  I guess first and foremost a big thanks to Serfas for inviting me and getting me into the show.  Now let’s get into the meat of things.

  So I started off on Thursday by stopping by the Serfas booth and really getting my hands on their new lights.  The new TSL-2500 looks just as great as their current TSL-1500, but brighter and if you’re riding fast and in the dark bright is good.  The new TSL-T1000 is much different than the TSL-2500 & TSL-1500.  The TSL-T1000 has this very compact look of the light itself.  Perfect for mounting on your helmet.  Then the battery pack has a built in Thunderbolt tail-light.  Then both of these lights have an extremely cool option on their battery packs, which is a USB plug to allow you to charge a smaller TSL-500+ or your cell phone off of.

  I left there and roamed a little stopping by the POC booth.  It was nice to get my hands on the new POC Octal road bike helmet.  There isn’t much that I can say for this that reviews haven’t already said.  This helmet is light.  I’m a fan of POC’s designs, so that doesn’t scare me off with their design of this helmet either.  If you’re in a shop that has these stop and pick it up.  I think you will be amazed as how light this is.

  I moved on from POC’s booth over to the Giant bikes booth.  As many of you know Giant came out in full force this year with their new 27.5 line.  Their new XTC 27.5 looks really nice.  I’m not totally sold on the 27.5, but their selection of 27.5 is there and if you are buying a 27.5 I think Giant might have one of the larges selections.  I will also say that if I was a female and I was looking for a bike that looked “Pretty” I wouldn’t have to look far past giant.  Their women’s selection is there.

  Stan’s.  Well as you all know now Stan’s announced their carbon Valor wheels at Eurobike a few weeks ago.  These wheels are slick.  The ones on display at Interbike were their proto-type ones and some of the look could still be desired, but all in all they are nice.  I know that in talking with Stan’s they won’t really be available in the states till late spring of 2014.  That’s okay as my ZTR Crest are holding up just fine for now.

  Geigerrig.  So this one isn’t one that you will personally see on my back to much when I’m riding, but I know several of the other K-Blue guys are wearing these and racing in these.  I use mine, just not typically when I am riding.  A couple of things though that I got to see out of these guys that I had not before the show.  First their Guardian packs as really nice.  The protection plates are their.  If you’re a rider that falls maybe you should be wearing this.  The plates are extremely light weight strong as you land on your back in the crash.  Another product that I haven’t used, but am going to is their Bike Rig.  I’m very nervous about trying this on my mountain bike, but ready to strap it on to the road as soon as I get it.  Lastly this might be one of the coolest things I saw at the Interbike and this is their new Nano drinking system.  This system eliminates the standard ¼” drinking tube and replaces it with an 1/8” or smaller tube that is fitted with a small cough drop size piece for your mouth.  This tube is setup to have a steady drip to your mouth.  Because of their pressurized hydration bladders this pushes water all the time and allows a steady drip, so you are consistently drinking and not take large drinks at once.

  Yankz.  Well several of you saw my Facebook posting a month or so ago on their new HVLO headphones systems.  I’m not sure I can tell you how comfortable these are.  As I stated in my Facebook posting the only down side I have come across with these is that they are not Blue-tooth.  I’m pretty sure if you are a runner your will love these.

  Crankbrothers.  Once again these guys like Stan’s announces their new carbon wheels at Eurobike, so many of us new they were coming, but we just hadn’t seen them or touched them.  I love the design side of Crankbrothers products and like their other wheels they have not spared any design with these either.  These are offered in the standard matte carbon look and then with an added gloss option.  Also their new Kronologdrop seat post is much nicer than their old Joplin.  I think there is still competition out there in the drop-seat post market, but I’ll say that these guys get it.  I only wish they had it in a smaller size that would fit my bike.

  Sea Suckers.  So as I’m walking the convention I come across Sea Suckers.  These are suction-cup bike mounts for your vehicle.  I love the concept.  It looks extremely diverse and easy to use.  I think my biggest concern is that I’m strapping my $2K bike on to the top of my car and hoping that the suction holds.  In talking with them they stated that they had had no issues with anyone losing their bikes. 

  Shimano.  So the million dollar question for Shimano.  Do they have a 1x11?  No.  They currently do not have one.  They are working on it and said that it will hopefully be out sometime in 2014.  They did say that they were trying to keep the cassette body the same as it currently is, so those that are running Chris King and some of the other custom hubs no need to stress over having to get a new one or an adapter to make these work.

  Sram.  We all are aware of the XX1 1x11 that Sram has had out for over a year now.  Well they rolled out their X01 which is also a 1x11, but the step down.  The biggest and really the only difference is the crank is not carbon on the X01.  I love the simplicity of the 1x11, but riding in maybe different environments from the flat desert of Phoenix to the mountains of Prescott and Utah I believe that your money is better spent on a 2x10.

  Catlike.  So many of you know that I run the POC Trabec helmet and love it.  Its design is a little different which may be part of the reason why I like it, but I have found myself looking at the Catlike’s recently as well.  After spending some time hold, touching, trying on and talking with them I’m not sure I’m sold on these.  Their design and open concept of the helmet is very cool, but I can’t bring myself to them. 

  Trainers.  Several companies had trainers there.  Now naturally I’m pretty fortunate for living in sunny Arizona where I can train outside 12 months a year.  I haven’t always been that fortunate and have had some time in the cold winters of Utah.  So some of the technologies out there on the new trainers are great.  If you are really locked into having to train inside because of the outdoor temps do your research.  Don’t just jump out there and buy that standard trainer that you going to lose your mind grinding away on.  Many of today’s trainers will link with your computer and your big screen. 

MORE TO COME……  Check back soon.

Rebecca's Private Idaho (RPI)
Sun Valley, ID
September 1, 2013
Drew Watkins

  RPI 100 was a true Gravel Grinder with lots of Cyclocross riders and a handful of Mountain Bikers. Along with the infamous Rebecca Rusch were guys like Levi Leipheimer and T. Burke Swindlehurst with two courses..."The Big Potato" 100 miler and the "Small Fry" 56 miler. I choose the "Small Fry" due to a little lack in time for training leading up to the race.

  Both courses had and out and back climb of about 1500 foot elevation in about 7 miles. The winds kicked up on the way back causing a strong head wind...but the course was fully supported complete with Baked Potatoes and PBR's...not to be confused with PB&J. All in all the crowd and festivities were amazing and will be a "must do" every year for this Idaho resident. I don't have any desire to ride Cyclocross at this juncture...but never say never.

Drew Watkins

2013 Fire on the Rim Race Report
Pine, AZ
Don Mellow
September 14, 2013

  This was a race I had not done before, nor pre-rode. I had done a little homework studying the area, terrain, and overall layout of the race. With this race, the obvious worry point is the 970' of constant elevation gain at the very beginning of the race. The other factors were the 3,700 total elevation gain of the 30 mile course I was attempting.

  After arriving at the race headquarters the night before, I had a chance to drive the initial climb from the start. Even my F250 was working, so I knew it was going to be one of those times that I would have dig deep, block out the pain, find my cadence, and get my Clydesdale butt up the hill! I have put on about 300 miles in training for this race, so I felt I was about 85%. I'll tell where I actually was at the end of this report. 

  I arrived at the race camp the next morning about an hour and a half from start time. One thing I have learned after years of racing is to have as much ready BEFORE you head up so you have time to relax and get into race mode. I was ready to go in 15 minutes due to the preparation and was able to hang out and get to know my neighbors. That helped calm my nerves and heard some interesting stories.

  About 20 min to race start, you could hear the calls for the 45 mile guys to start. The anticipation and internal gut check began. I geared up, checked everything over and headed for my race. After stretching and warming up on the pavement areas around the start, I felt I was ready. It was nice to be out of the heat of the valley, checking out everyone's bikes for what they had put into it, and going over my race plan in my head. After lining up in the middle of the pack, behind the shaved leg guys and before the guys handing off their beers to their wives, the race official had us give a moment of silence for the 19 fire fighters that recently passed in the Yarnell fire. It was great to give respect and reflect how lucky we have it in so many ways and how my participation was going to a great cause. So then it was back to the race. 45 seconds to start, I put on my race app and turned on the Metallica song to get me ready to go. BOOM- we're off and with a little downhill to feel like your a pro, we sped off...uphill. Because I driven the uphill the night before, I just found my pace and peddled, thinking of those famous socks that say "peddle damn it". I really do enjoy race starts. Gears changing, people (in shape) talking, the crowds cheering, and me thinking of when the first cramp will come. I stayed in the middle basically, passing some, getting passed, but feeling good about my planning and pace. After about 2 miles we cleared the houses and cheering folks. You know, that point of a race when it is just you, your bike, and the open road? At that point, it was now about getting up the mountain. I peddled, and peddled, and peddled. Taking advantage of my granny gear and a few 50-80 yard downhills to lift my butt off the seat to get circulation again. I had to walk a few sections at the top because I was wanting so save some energy for the rest of the race and just enjoy the event. Then finally I reached the saddle and started the 5 mile downhill. You know that feeling of "weeee". I was moving pretty fast, but still feeling the drag of newly installed brake pads, so I took some time to really burn them in. This was and really smooth forest road, dodging a few water puddles and rocks, but mostly cruising. There were a few washes that I was able to flow through without too much peddling...that is always nice. I reached the end of the downhill at an aid station, where another road revealed the humbling fact that the race would not all be downhill. So started peddling again on a fairly steep road, but less compacted, so I just found my lines and stayed the course. It was about another 4 miles to the next turn with only a few small downhills to give relief. After making the next turn, it got steeper for .5 mile then started some crazy single track that was extremely steep and very narrow, with lots of rocks. However, because it was mostly downhill, I loved it and just enjoyed my car crash through the woods, always taking note of how I could do it better and faster the next lap.

  After completing about 2 miles of the single track, it was back to climbing another 1 mile of pretty steep climbing. Not as steep as the initial climb, but add rocks and ruts to equation, and I finally had to hike a bike about half way. Good thing is about 50% of the riders were doing the same. So I just climbed as fast as I figured I would be riding and made it to the top. Hello downhill. And by this I mean some of the most technical, fast flying downhill I have ever done. I love surprises, so I just stayed focused and on speed. This was a 2 track road that had been washed out in the middle, so it was V-shaped. Picked my side and slammed on the breaks and was still going about 15 miles an hour.!

  After finishing that section, it was now onto some pavement, but still uphill pain. Towards the end of that 3 mile section it was downhill. Why does the downhill go so fast? Then turning onto another single tract that parallels the main highway, I just peddled. However, at this stage of the race (about 12 miles) I was feeling "ok", I was determined to stay at race pace and enjoy the next section. This section was the most demanding because it was a twisty, turning, steep-then-up single track. O, and there was about 1000% times more the rocks. This is where you start evaluated " what if I get a flat". So I just took it easy to see what the trail had. And it had everything...steep steep steep downhills, crossing boulders at the bottom of creeks (I was thinking that this wasn't even a bike trail), and really technical turns. So I finally arrived at the turn to go to the finish line or start the next lap. Mmmm, thinking, thinking, thinking...ok, I started my second lap. Understanding where I was and where the road was, I began developing a plan to have fun riding this new trail for the race and pace myself....about one hour later, I had just finished the connecting section that was everything I have written so far COMBINED!!!! No joke. I won't give details, you'll just have to ride it!!

  I was now about halfway up the initial climb and feeling good. Still walked a few sections because of tightness and being lapped by the 45 mile guys starting their 3rd lap! Got to the top and enjoyed the downhill, and going much much faster. I think I ran faster in some areas, but had to walk a few more sections because of the cramping. I still kept moving though. I had it in my mind that I had to keep moving. I only had 6 minutes of stop time in 4:38 minutes of racing. I finally got to the finish line turnoff and knew most of it was downhill. It was and it was fun to get the energy of finishing and catching my breath. After weaving thru town and getting off course in one section that cost me and another guy a few minutes, I finally saw the finish line. I felt like I left everything on the course and with hamstrings cramping I crossed the line.

  Got a few after race pictures and walked to the racer tent where the volunteers were shoving food and drinks at me so fast. They really did a great job and I know they appreciate the cause for the race to help fund forest fires to keep big ones from happening. I sat down for some food, music, and the sights and felt good to finish, even though I was shooting for a 4 hour goal. At this time, I reflected on what I thought I was 85% prepared at the beginning of the race, was now a humbling 60%. I know I did a great job, but could definitely improve by knowing the course and demands of the race. I recommend all to do this one...top three for me.

  Special thanks to some products that helped me complete this race. Sexy race shorts will gel pad from Serfas, great gloves that never slipped from Serfas, GU products that kept me moving forward and avoiding more cramps, my flip up Gargoyles glasses that really help in the shaded/sunny areas of the forest and allowing me to wipe the sweat from my eyes easily, and the great Serfas Krest tires that hugged and loved this terrain. No flats (Stan's NoTubes), and probably should have been, really great handling that helped me focus on other aspects of the race. Do this one, you won't regret it too bad!

Don Mellow

12 Hours at Night - Race Report

12 Hour at Night. 

July 27-28, 2013

So as I headed up to Prescott from the Phoenix metro valley I was talking with my brother.  He asked what the name of the race was I was heading to.  I told him 12 Hours at Night.  His response was: “Seriously?  Come on it’s got to be cooler than that.”  Then as I was in a meeting this afternoon with our attorney and I was talking with him and he asked the same question.  His response was much different and was pretty good which was “Well at least you know exactly what you’re getting into.”  That is exactly it. 

So here’s the quick 2 second version of the race report.  It was long.  I was slow.  I’m not 17 anymore.  And anyone that says staying up all night by your self needs to try it their self.

Now those of you that want some more details here you go.  So as stated the race is in Prescott (Preskit), AZ, which is about 2 hours from my cozy bed in Mesa.  I worked a little that morning and did some last minute running around town and then was able to get a short hour or so nap in before heading up there about 3pm.  I knew the race started at 8pm and I needed to be there no later than 7pm, but I am usually not the one that want to show up at 7pm and be rushing to get everything ready, so about 6pm I rolled in up there.  I had to make a couple of stops before leaving the valley.

Well I get there and get check-in and set up right along the trail.  This was important as those of you that have raced solo in a race before know you don’t want to spend a lot of time tracking out to your gear and then getting back on course when you can be right there.  I packed a small folding table, which is perfect when it’s just me racing as it will hold all of my needed gear. 

I pulled the bike off the car and started to prep it.  Make sure the chain and gears all lubed and good, which really didn’t make much difference after the first mud hole.  Strapped on the Serfas TSL-1500+ on the handlebars.  Got the Serfas TSL-500+ set up on my POC Trabec helmet.  Set up all of my water bottles with GU Roctane.  Made sure all of my fuel was ready and easily accessible.  Light batteries all charged and out.  Light chargers set-up at the neutral charging station where I knew they would be to add batteries to later.  Lastly getting dressed to race.

Then came the pre-race meeting.  Dave Sewell with Go-AR ran thru all the ups and downs and how the course was looking.  He mentioned a little mud in a couple of spots.  Lighting flashed off in the distance.  Checked-in and got the arm-band.  Then there was 5 minutes till start.  Bike was staged and I was heading to the actual start line to the Lemans start.

A friend and race director Rick Eastman was at the start line to blow the air horn.  We chatted for a couple of brief minutes before it was time.  Horn blows and we are off and running to our bikes.

I was lucky enough to be one of the first 4-5 racers to their bikes and off on the trail.  I had pre-road part of this course the week before and I kind of shot out there passing a few and getting into a good spot.  The southern part of the course is a wide almost fire-road.  Then we get into a couple of miles of single track leads up right back up past the start line.  This single track goes on for about 2 miles before dumping back onto a mile or so of fire-road that is called Rocky Road.  There were parts during the night I wished that this really was rocky road ice cream.  Prescott had received rain almost everyday last week and Rocky Road seemed a little rockier than usual.  None the less this climb is the longest and roughest.  Once you get to a jog in the climb you know you’re about there.  Then there is a small single track section, and when I say small its a couple hundred yards and this dumps you onto some rough asphalt where you travel next to the road for a bit.  Dump off the asphalt onto another short single track and then thru the first tunnel. 

Once you cross thru the first tunnel your well over half way thru the lap.  Up the Outback of fire-road and down the Outback before grabbing some single-track to climb and some more single track to climb.  This single track got a little rutty as the night went on.  You dump out of part of this single-track and all of the sudden there is a new tunnel to cross under.  A short quick climb and then you’re descending back into the start/finish area.

So as I was writing this I realized that I was leaving out some detail areas on the course.  Along the southern fire-road in the first few miles there was a mud puddle that covered the entire road and no way to avoid it.  First lap I saw it and thought “well it’s going to rain sometime tonight anyways, so just get muddy now.”  Well this puddle got nastier and sloppier as the night went on.  I specifically remember hitting it once and sliding about 2 feet one way and then another time chunks of mud flying up and hitting me in the face.

So the first lap seemed extremely long and slow for me.  I came up on one rider with no lights; this is a night race I thought to myself.  He ended up tucking in behind me and finished that lap.  We chatted a little on the way and he was the 17 year old that made me realize I’m not 17 anymore.  Later in the race I remember him passing me and I have no idea where he came from.

My second lap seemed much better than my first one and then came 3^rd and the 4^th lap.  Around 12:30am-1am I rolled in from my 4^th lap.  It was starting to wear on me.  I grabbed some fuel, switch water bottles and put on some arm warmers.  Spent about 5-10 minutes doing this, which was much longer than what I should have.  Then headed out on 5. 

Those of you reading this that have done long endurance races during the day I’m not sure you can compare.  Those that have done long endurance races that lead into the dark hours of the night more than likely have felt what I’m about to describe.  It’s 1:30am and you have pretty much been up all day as it is.  Your in the middle of no where by yourself, it’s dark and a little chilly or cool.  You’re wet or at least damp.  You mind is trying to wonder where-ever it can.  Your body is starting to tell you that it’s tired.  This is the part in the race where you really start to get discourage, on top of the fact that there is a 17 year old that is making you look like shit. 

Finishing the 5^th lap I decide I need to take a few extra minutes before heading out again.  I could see the time clock from where I was staged and I told myself I’m going to take 20 minutes.  This was way to much time this time.  Some how I pulled myself together and headed out yet again.  My discouragement had somewhat departed and I was feeling better.  Finishing lap 6 was good and then I immediately headed back out for 7. 

By this point in the race I think I could ride this course with my eyes closed, and there were times I wanted to.  7 wasn’t bad, but coming in I knew I needed to rest.  At this point, well I’m sure it was much earlier in the race, but I could really notice it then, but the mud build up on the bike was building and rubbing and all kind of noises it seemed like.  I stopped for a few after 7 and really rested again to long.

Heading out on 8 I knew this was my last one.  No matter what I was done.  I put my all into the single track areas and just grinded out the climbs.  I could see the sun starting to rise as I was finishing this lap.

All in all it was a great race.  Lessons learned?  Ride more.  Ride faster.  I’m not 17 anymore.  I’m not a professional and no-one is paying me to do this.  And as my daughter told me 5^th is better than 10^th.  Thanks for looking at the positive side Annie.

BIG THANKS TO:

Stan’s NoTubes – ZTR Crest wheels and sealant

Serfas – Lights, Pike (eyewear), shorts, gloves, saddle bag, tool, Suplest (shoes)

Polar – water bottles

GU – Roctane (GU & powder mix) & Chomps

Mike’s Bike Chalet – Bike maintenance

Geigerrig – backpacks

Geax – Tires

Thanks Sponsors

  So here is a quick little bit to say thanks to all of K-Blue Racing’s 2013 sponsors.  As I was getting ready to race this past Saturday evening in Prescott, AZ at the 12 Hours at Night race I had a brief moment flash in front of me that said “Wow look at how awesome the sponsors are this year.”

  So as I got there and pulled the bike off the car I was staring at my Stan’s ZTR Crest ready to go.  Then I proceeded to check the air pressure and pump them up a little with my Serfas pump.  Set up my Serfas lights on the handle bars and then pulled my POC helmet out to set up my back-up Serfas light on there.  Pulled out my Polar water bottles and filled them with my GU Roctane.  Lastly pulled out the GU Chomps and GU Roctane to have ready for fueling.  The list goes on and on for the awesome products you all supported us with.

  A huge thanks to GU, Serfas, Stan’s NoTubes, Polar, Geigerrig, Mike’s Bike Chalet and Geax for all their support this year.  You guys are awesome and thanks so so much.  I’ll get a small race report for this weekend up in a couple of days.

2013 Jerseys

Ladies

Men's Long Sleeve

Men's Short Sleeve